The Best Ways to Discover the History of Lake Norman

Known as the inland sea, Lake Norman has been a destination for all ages for over 50 years. Located north of Charlotte, North Carolina, Lake Norman covers over 520 miles of shoreline and is a dependable source of power and water for the region. Lake Norman was created in the fall of 1963 and is named after retired Duke Power President: Norman Atwater Cocke. The history of Lake Norman dates back many decades ago. There are quite a few ways to discover the history of Lake Norman. Let yourself be a tourist for the day and check out the beauty and history of Lake Norman for yourself.

Lake Norman is the largest man-made lake in North Carolina. The lake provides many opportunities for outdoor recreation including swimming, boating, and fishing. The lake is 130-feet at its deepest and holds around 3.4 trillion gallons. Lake Norman provides electricity to the Piedmont region and powers the generators at Cowans Ford Dam. The lake is also the water source for many counties, and to neighboring towns: Huntersville, Cornelius, and Davidson.

There are several marinas that border Lake Norman. These marinas offer boat ramps to use with your own boat, or you can rent one for the day. Be on the lookout for some Lake Norman treasures while you’re on the lake. Hundreds of acres of land were flooded as Lake Norman was being created. You never know what you might uncover.

To learn more about the history of Lake Norman, take an afternoon outing to Duke Energy’s Energy Explorium. The Explorium, located in Huntersville, North Carolina, offers interactive exhibits, a mile-long nature trail bordering the lake and a picnic shelter next to the butterfly garden overlooking Lake Norman. To learn more about why and how Lake Norman was built, there is an exhibit with a movie called “The Great Inland Sea”.

Another great way to discover the history of Lake Norman is by visiting one of the many parks bordering the lake. Jetton Park is a 104-acre, lakefront park in Cornelius, North Carolina. The park offers a sandy beach area, picnic decks, playgrounds, biking and walking trails and event venue Waterfront Hall. Near Troutman, North Carolina is Lake Norman State Park, formerly Duke Power State Park. The park offers miles of trails, camping, boating, and swimming.

Our own Davidson, North Carolina is a Lake Norman community. Our landmark Davidson Village Inn has been welcoming visitors and locals since 1993. Davidson Village Inn is located on Depot Street and close to all the action of downtown Davidson. If it’s your first time to the area, don’t forget to request your free Davidson, NC Vacation Guide. Whether you’re here for work or pleasure, the guide has all the information you need on what to do, where to eat and what’s happening around town. For current specials or reservation information, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 704-892-8044 or book online!